Easley wants e-mail lawsuit thrown out

Gov. Mike Easley wants a judge to throw out a public records lawsuit.

In a motion filed Tuesday in Superior Court, Easley's attorneys argued that the N&O, the Charlotte Observer and nine other news organizations are improperly asking a judge to make sweeping declarations about policies and behavior.

Hugh Stevens, an attorney for the newspapers, said in a statement that the governor's complaint argues that the courts are virtually powerless to enforce the public records law.

"It appears that the governor is taking the position that if he has a public record and refuses to permit its inspection and copying, the courts can act; otherwise, he can ignore the public records law with impunity, even to the extent of destroying public records," Stevens wrote.

The filing Tuesday means the case is likely headed to a courtroom. (N&O)